Prospects for the integration between solidarity and multiculturalism in Thai society
Prospects for the integration between solidarity and multiculturalism in Thai society
Published date
2009
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Bangkok : Konrad Adenauer Stiftung
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9786169047506
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eng
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application/pdf
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16 pages
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Religion, Politics and Globalization: Implications for Thailand and Asia
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Every family is composed of both similarity and difference. To borrow Hartshorne's words, all family members can see and recognize "likeness in difference". They can live together peacefully and happily through right relationship, love and understanding. In a similar way, a society is composed of both solidarity and diversity. Its members should be able to see and recognize solidarity in diversity through right relationships, compassion, and understanding. If they succeed in doing so, they will have peaceful co-existence. If Thai society seeks justice and peace, it needs to integrate between solidarity and multiculturalism through social justice, compassion, and understanding. Surely, it is not easy to reach such an ideal society. It may take years, decades, or even generations to reach that dream. However, we have to start now before it is too late. Education is the final answer to all social, economic, and political problems, especially education for children and young people. Therefore, homes, temples, mosques, churches, holy places, schools, and educational institutions are still very important for Thai society both in a short and long term. As the political crisis which we are facing now, what Anthony Giddens calls "dialogic democracy" (cultural cosmopolitanism), which promotes social solidarity, may be an answer for Thai society.